Making it hard for the visitors to do that is the history – India have never won a T20I in New Zealand. What do they need to do to secure a historic win come Friday? They simply have to be their best in all facets of the game.

India were well beaten with both bat and ball in the opener. Their bowlers were all taken for runs, with Hardik Pandya, who picked up two wickets, the most expensive of the lot. Yuzvendra Chahal, who returned 1/35, was the most economical, but despite his best efforts, the 219/6 New Zealand posted was the highest at the Westpac Stadium.

Similarly, with the bat, there were starts from all of Shikhar Dhawan, Vijay Shankar and Krunal Pandya, each managing a score in the 20s. MS Dhoni rallied, even as wickets fell at the other end, to score a 31-ball 39. But quite simply, India needed a lot more on the day.

The good thing is that their mixture of youth and experience makes for fine balance in the side. They have fought back from similar situations before, and they have the ability to turn the tables. They will back themselves to do that on Friday.

It will prove difficult against New Zealand, no doubt. After losing the ODIs 4-1, the comprehensive manner of their victory in the first T20I would have boosted the home side's confidence.

The performance of 24-year-old Tim Seifert – he smashed a fiery 43-ball 84 at a mind-boggling strike-rate of 195 – bodes well for the remainder of the series.

Colin Munro returned to form again during his 20-ball 34, and with captain Kane Williamson scoring a quick 22-ball 34 as well, New Zealand are in the enviable position, where their top three are all firing in tandem.

There was further reason for cheer in Tim Southee's return to form. The pacer starred with 3/17 in Wellington, and New Zealand will once again bank on his ability to provide timely breakthroughs.

With Colin de Grandhomme, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner and Scott Kuggeleijn all capable with both bat and ball, along with Jimmy Neesham and Doug Bracewell, there is plenty of depth and balance in the squad.

As far as they are concerned, all they need to do now is replicate exactly what they did in the first T20I.

Key Players

Tim Seifert (New Zealand): "I wanted to make the most of it", Seifert said after the first T20I. The wicket-keeper batsman had scored just 42 runs from eight matches leading up to that first T20I. That in mind, Seifert surely did make the most of the opportunity, and New Zealand will want him continue his big-hitting ways for the rest of the series.

Rohit Sharma (India): The interim India captain has only played two T20Is in New Zealand. The first was in 2009, the second was on Wednesday. On both the occasions, he was dismissed for single-digit scores. India desperately need his batting to click at the top to increase their chances of reverse an unwanted record.

Conditions

It'll be a lot more comfortably that nippy Wellington, with the forecast suggesting temperatures of around 27° C. Eden Park is a high-scoring venue and has a lot to offer the batsmen. So far, scores in excess of 200 have been scored five times, and it is at this venue where New Zealand registered their highest total in T20Is – 243/6 against Australia almost exactly a year ago. Expect runs on Friday.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1048980
]]>Commentary Threadsgiri26http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281283-India-162-3-beat-New-Zealand-158-8-by-7-wickets-in-2nd-T20I-to-level-series-1-1South Africa v Pakistan | 3rd T20I | Centurion | Feb 6th, 2019 | Pakistan Inningshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281241-South-Africa-v-Pakistan-3rd-T20I-Centurion-Feb-6th-2019-Pakistan-Innings&goto=newpost
Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:19:50 GMTHaving conceded the series by losing the first two Twenty20 Internationals by slim margins, Pakistan will want to go all the way in the third and final match against South Africa.
Overview
South Africa v Pakistan
3rd T20I
SuperSport Park, Centurion
Tuesday, 5 January, 6.00pm local, 4.00pm...Having conceded the series by losing the first two Twenty20 Internationals by slim margins, Pakistan will want to go all the way in the third and final match against South Africa.

The two games so far have been evenly contested to a large extent, but South Africa have just been able to close out games better, earning themselves a series victory.

Pakistan will feel like the least they deserve is a consolation win, and in order to do that they must continue playing the way have and hold their nerve better in the death stages.

In the first match in Cape Town, they did well enough to get within six runs of South Africa's 192. Then in Johannesburg, they seemed in complete control in their chase of 189 after Babar Azam's 90 and Hussain Talat's 55, but a flurry of wickets dented their momentum and they eventually lost out by seven runs.

Pakistan batsmen's biggest nemesis has been Andile Phehlukwayo. Using crafty, deceptive slower balls mixed up with the occasional yorker, Phehlukwayo has managed to keep the explosive Pakistan batsmen at bay. He masterfully defended 15 off the final over in the previous game, conceding just seven runs and taking a couple of wickets too.

Pakistan will need to find ways to counter that threat better. Another man they will be wary of is stand-in captain David Miller. His stunning performance in the field (four catches and two run-outs) earned him the Player of the Match in the first game. In Johannesburg, he came good with the bat, slamming an unbeaten 65 from just 29 deliveries to bolster South Africa's score to 188/3.

Top-order batsmen like Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen have also been among the runs, and Pakistan will look to keep them at bay. Pakistan's batsmen, Azam in particular, too have been in incredible form.

The stylish right-hander has scored 128 from the two games at a strike-rate of 150.58. Others like Talat and Shoaib Malik have also scored runs, but Pakistan will want more from the middle and lower-middle order.

The scores might suggest it's been a batsman's series, but the bowlers have had their say. Phehlukwayo has been exceptional, but Beuran Hendricks and Chris Morris have also been among the wickets. For Pakistan, left-arm spinner Imad Wasim has bowled very accurately, conceding just 32 runs from his eight overs at an economy rate of just four. Yet, Pakistan will want their quicks to make early inroads.

The match will draw curtains on Pakistan's lengthy tour, and having lost the Test series and the ODI series prior to this, they will be desperate to finish off on a high to leave for home on a positive note.

Key players

David Miller (South Africa): The stand-in South Africa captain has been exceptional, not only with bat but also in the field – after all, it's not too often one is awarded Player of the Match for his fielding exploits. Pakistan bore the brunt of his explosive hitting in the second game, and he will want to put on another masterclass in that department.

Babar Azam (Pakistan): The right-hander has been making this column frequently in recent times, but it can't be helped when he's in that kind of form. Through the Tests, ODIs and T20Is, he has been Pakistan's most consistent batsman and he will want to close out the series with a fllourish.

Conditions

The pitch can be expected to be another batting-friendly surface, but like with most South African wickets, there should be something in it for the fast bowlers early on. Weather is expected to be ideal, and chances of rain are minimal.

Pakistan: Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik (c), Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Rizwan
]]>Commentary ThreadsMenInGhttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281241-South-Africa-v-Pakistan-3rd-T20I-Centurion-Feb-6th-2019-Pakistan-Inningshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281226-New-Zealand-219-6-defeat-India-139-by-80-runs-in-first-T20I-to-take-1-0-series-lead&goto=newpost
Wed, 06 Feb 2019 04:41:02 GMTThe significance of a Twenty20 International in a World Cup year might not be too evident at the outset, but India and New Zealand will see it as an opportunity all the same when they walk out in Wellington on Wednesday, 6 February.
*
Overview
New Zealand v India
1st T20I
Westpac Stadium,...The significance of a Twenty20 International in a World Cup year might not be too evident at the outset, but India and New Zealand will see it as an opportunity all the same when they walk out in Wellington on Wednesday, 6 February.
Overview

India dominated the one-day internationals for the most part – the loss in the fourth ODI proved an aberration – but there are still a couple of areas that can do with some improvement.

For starters, the top order needs runs. Without Virat Kohli, the captain, there’s a budding sense of fragility within the Indian batting ranks. In the last two ODIs, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were dismissed for paltry scores, and struggled to give the middle order the foundation they usually do.

That created all sorts of problems, and it is certainly easier for the bowlers knowing they’ll be facing debutant Shubman Gill after those two rather than the imposing figure of Kohli. While the middle order crumbled in the fourth ODI, it stood up in the final clash, and the question now is whether it can do so in the shorter format as well, with far fewer overs to settle down.

India certainly aren’t a one-man team, but needless to say, they are a lot weaker without Kohli. It is an impression they wouldn’t want to fuel too much, especially with the World Cup just around the corner.

Another thing India will be curious about is the form of Gill. The 19-year-old is highly rated and rightly so – those who watched him at the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup last year and noted his progress at the first-class level will vouch for that – but he hasn’t yet been able to replicate that form at senior level, with scores of 9 and 7 in two ODIs.

Perhaps the T20Is, with the more carefree approach it warrants, will prove key as Gill tries to make his mark.

As far as New Zealand are concerned, the manner of the loss in the ODIs is something they will want to forget all too soon. India coasted to 3-0 before quite visibly taking their foot off the gas – it is only then the home side managed to fight back. And still, they lost 4-1.

Their confidence will have taken a beating, and New Zealand will be keen to fix that in the T20Is, starting on Waitangi Day Wednesday – the home side will wear specially printed AOTEAROA shirts to mark the day.

The injury to Martin Guptill – the back problem that sidelined him for the final ODI has ruled him out of the T20Is as well – doesn’t help matters. The onus will be on Colin Munro, who was underwhelming in the ODIs, to rediscover his form.

New Zealand, however, have named a fine replacement for Guptill. Jimmy Neesham, the all-rounder, has been in terrific form recently, and it needed a canny piece of work from MS Dhoni behind the stumps to stop his assault in the final ODI. He will look to make the most of his purple patch in the T20Is as well.

In good news for New Zealand, India have a terrible record in T20Is against them. In the eight overall matches they have played, New Zealand have won six. If that is anything to go by, India will have their task cut out for the next few days. That said, they have reversed records all series, and will look to do so again.

Key players

Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand): The all-rounder’s return is good news for New Zealand. He hammered a 37-ball 64 in an ODI against Sri Lanka last month, and was on the way to do so again against India in Wellington on Sunday. More of the same is expected from the big man, who lends crucial balance to the home side.

Shubman Gill (India): There are few tasks more daunting than filling Virat Kohli’s boots at No.3 at the moment, but 19-year-old Gill has been asked to do just that. He hasn’t done too well, so far, but could a change in format spark all that potential? He’s an exciting talent, and it will be an interesting watch, one way or the other.

Conditions

It’ll be a bit nippy in Wellington on Wednesday – the day peaks at 17°C. There’s no rain though, and that should make for interesting conditions to play in. It was slow and low and batting was difficult in the ODI at the venue. The T20I could go the same way.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1048257
]]>Commentary Threadsgiri26http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281226-New-Zealand-219-6-defeat-India-139-by-80-runs-in-first-T20I-to-take-1-0-series-leadSouth Africa defeat Pakistan by 7 runs in 2nd T20I to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in T20I serieshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281127-South-Africa-defeat-Pakistan-by-7-runs-in-2nd-T20I-to-take-an-unassailable-2-0-lead-in-T20I-series&goto=newpost
Sun, 03 Feb 2019 14:55:34 GMT189 to win189 to win
]]>Commentary ThreadsAbdullah719http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281127-South-Africa-defeat-Pakistan-by-7-runs-in-2nd-T20I-to-take-an-unassailable-2-0-lead-in-T20I-seriesSouth Africa v Pakistan | 2nd T20I | Johannesburg| Feb 3rd, 2019 | South Africa Inningshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281114-South-Africa-v-Pakistan-2nd-T20I-Johannesburg-Feb-3rd-2019-South-Africa-Innings&goto=newpost
Sun, 03 Feb 2019 10:29:06 GMTPakistan fell short of South Africa by a whisker – six runs – in the first Twenty20 International, and will be desperate to hit back in the second game and take the series into a decider.
Overview
South Africa v Pakistan
2nd T20I
The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Sunday, 3 January,...Pakistan fell short of South Africa by a whisker – six runs – in the first Twenty20 International, and will be desperate to hit back in the second game and take the series into a decider.

The South African top order had a good outing in the first T20I. While Gihahn Cloete was dismissed for 13, Reeza Hendricks and Faf du Plessis smashed 74 and 78 respectively to provide a fine base for the middle and lower order to build on in the death.

However, the batsmen who followed could not replicate their heroics – none managed more than 10 – allowing Pakistan to fight back in the death overs and keep their target within sight. With du Plessos rested for the last two games, a bulk of the responsibility will now fall on the stand-in skipper, David Miller.

South Africa couldn't really contain the scoring either, with all of Babar Azam, Hussain Talat and Shoaib Malik getting starts. It's credit to the home bowlers that they came roaring back, taking wickets regularly to ensure Shoaib Malik had to try and do it all by himself. David Miller also played a big role. With four catches and two run-outs, he was a livewire in the field and was adjudged Player of the Match.

Pakistan will take heart from their bowlers' performance in the death overs. They took five quick wickets to stun South Africa's middle order, and Usman Shinwari, who returned 3/31, will be raring to go again in Johannesburg.

The visitors, however, will be aware of the need for their batsmen to notch a big score. All of Azam, Talat and Malik managed starts, but Pakistan needed someone to go on and get a big score and finish the chase. In tight T20I matches, that is key.

There was good news for Pakistan, with Mohammad Hafeez, ruled out of the first game with a hamstring problem, set to return in Johannesburg. Malik, the stand-in skipper, might also consider bringing in one of Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Amir to infuse more pace into the attack.

Key players

Reeza Hendricks (South Africa): With a bunch of seasoned campaigners rested for the T20I series, Hendricks' contribution at the top of the order will be vital. He is in a rich vein of form currently, and has crossed 40 four times in his last seven international matches.

Babar Azam (Pakistan): Azam, No.1 on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Batting Rankings, is Pakistan's biggest match-winner in the shortest format of the game. He blazed to a 27-ball 38 in the first game before falling to a run-out set up by a splendid direct hit from Miller. He will hope to go do better next time around.

Conditions

The forecast predicts a thunderstorm on Sunday. That, coupled with the surface in Johannesburg being seam-friendly, might tempt the captains to have a bowl first.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/1044726
]]>Commentary ThreadsMenInGhttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281114-South-Africa-v-Pakistan-2nd-T20I-Johannesburg-Feb-3rd-2019-South-Africa-Inningshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281097-India-252-defeat-New-Zealand-217-by-35-runs-to-win-the-5th-ODI-and-win-series-4-1&goto=newpost
Sat, 02 Feb 2019 22:40:14 GMTWELLINGTON: Pushed out of their comfort zone by some incisive swing bowling in challenging conditions, a jolted India will gain confidence from Mahendra Singh Dhoni's return as they aim to finish the five-match series against New Zealand on a high.

India's most experienced ODI player was out with hamstring injury during last two matches and his return couldn't have been timed better after their inexplicable collapse for 92 in Hamilton.

A 4-1 margin will look much better than 3-2 but it will be easier said than done at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

The windy conditions could just be the shot that Trent Boult would need as he again marks his run-up.

And that's where Dhoni's presence will be a factor in that middle order which still isn't rock solid if skipper Virat Kohli isn't around.

Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar confirmed that Dhoni is fit and available for the game.
Dhoni's calmness in anchoring the innings will be priceless and young Shubman Gill might make the way in the playing XI as the World Cup preparations hit full swing.

The Hamilton match was an eye opener where Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and Dinesh Karthik failed to prove a point that they can stand up and be counted if Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan fail on a given day with Kohli also not around.
With the three-match T20I series ahead and also the World Cup round the corner, India will have to address this weakness to ensure that their much-vaunted batting doesn't crumble on an odd day when the condition aids swing bowling in England.
Rohit has already described it as 'one of the worst batting performance' by the team and he would like to lead by example by quickly getting over the disappointment with another fiery opening stand with Shikhar Dhawan on Sunday.

Having returned from provisional suspension post his loose talk on a TV chat show, Hardik Pandya gave ample display of his importance in the ODI team and he will look to continue to deliver.

It will be interesting if Mohammed Shami comes back for the final game with Bhuvneshwar Kumar getting the rest.

The team management might also want to test Mohammed Siraj as Khaleel Ahmed wasn't very impressive in the last game.
Although the series is done and dusted, the fourth ODI win gave a new lease of life to New Zealand's campaign and they will look to dish out another superlative performance before going into the T20I series.

Opener Henry Nicholls, who replaced Colin Munro in the fourth ODI, made an unbeaten 30 to provide solidity at the top, while Ross Taylor looked in good touch en route his 93 and 37 not out in the last two innings.

New Zealand, however, is likely to miss out opener Martin Guptill who suffered a back injury during practice.

In bowling department, Boult has swung his way with a five-wicket haul while Grandhomme seemed to have regained confidence with his three-wicket haul in the last match.

Back into the New Zealand fold, all-rounder James Neesham and spinner Todd Astle have made a decent start with one wicket each in the fourth game.

]]>Commentary ThreadsMenInGhttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281074-South-Africa-beat-Pakistan-by-six-runs-in-first-T20I-to-take-1-0-series-leadSouth Africa v Pakistan | 1st T20I | Cape Town | Feb 1, 2019 | South Africa inningshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281064-South-Africa-v-Pakistan-1st-T20I-Cape-Town-Feb-1-2019-South-Africa-innings&goto=newpost
Fri, 01 Feb 2019 14:16:57 GMTOne format that Pakistan can call their own (at the moment) but can they start on a winning note?
Mohammad Hafeez will not be playing:
INJURY UPDATE: Mohammad Hafeez has a slight hamstring niggle and will be rested from tonight’s first T20I that will give him every chance of being fit for...One format that Pakistan can call their own (at the moment) but can they start on a winning note?

Mohammad Hafeez will not be playing:

INJURY UPDATE: Mohammad Hafeez has a slight hamstring niggle and will be rested from tonight’s first T20I that will give him every chance of being fit for the next two games
]]>Commentary ThreadsMenInGhttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281064-South-Africa-v-Pakistan-1st-T20I-Cape-Town-Feb-1-2019-South-Africa-inningshttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281047-Australia-534-5d-amp-196-3d-beat-Sri-Lanka-215-9-amp-149-by-366-runs-in-2nd-Test-to-win-series-2-0&goto=newpost
Thu, 31 Jan 2019 22:42:37 GMTAustralia captain Tim Paine on Thursday announced an unchanged team to face Sri Lanka at Canberra’s Manuka Oval in the series-decider, starting Friday.
That means Stoinis and Pucovski will end the international summer of cricket without baggy greens, and with a massive dent in their Ashes...Australia captain Tim Paine on Thursday announced an unchanged team to face Sri Lanka at Canberra’s Manuka Oval in the series-decider, starting Friday.

That means Stoinis and Pucovski will end the international summer of cricket without baggy greens, and with a massive dent in their Ashes aspirations.

Pucovski is particularly left stranded, as he will remain ineligible to play English county cricket given he has never represented his nation at senior level, nor does he hold a British passport.

He was confined on Thursday to running laps of Manuka Oval in 30-plus degree heat, in the company of a Cricket Australia staff member. The pair appeared in deep discussion during the first lap, before breaking into a jog and completing about half a dozen laps of the boundary.

The 20-year-old was controversially left out of the first Test, with cricket greats Shane Warne and Michael Vaughan both slamming the decision.

Warne said Australia had “missed a trick”, while Vaughan called it an “an opportunity missed” for the “talked-of best young batsman the Aussies have produced for many years”.

Instead, Kurtis Patterson was rushed into the squad off the back of consecutive pink ball centuries against Sri Lanka in a tour match.

All-rounder Stoinis will also be left out after selectors didn’t feel the need to provide a fifth bowling option.
All-rounder Stoinis will also be left out after selectors didn’t feel the need to provide a fifth bowling option.
He impressed on his way to 30 on Test debut and has been retained in the side, while opener Joe Burns has been given another chance despite making just 15 in Brisbane.

Meanwhile, the faith has been restored in quick Mitchell Starc who will have another chance to recapture his best form in a lacklustre summer - keeping journeyman Peter Siddle on the sidelines.

All-rounder Stoinis will also be left out after selectors didn’t feel the need to provide a fifth bowling option, despite what is expected to be a batting-friendly surface at Manuka Oval.

Stoinis spent most of the Thursday afternoon session standing by, chatting to various other players and staff members. He was then pulled aside for a deep conversation with Langer next to the centre wicket, which lasted a few minutes.

At the same time, fielding coach Brad Haddin took the slips cordon through some drills, while a couple of batsmen spent time in the nets outside Manuka Oval.

Australia holds a 1-0 lead in the two match series, needing just a draw in Canberra to lift the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.

The piece of silverware would be Australia’s first in Test cricket since January 2018, and the first under the leadership of both Paine and Justin Langer.

WI win toss & decide to bowl on what i think will be a good batting surface .
]]>Commentary ThreadsILcrickethttp://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281035-West-Indies-306-amp-17-0-beat-England-187-amp-132-by-10-wickets-in-the-2nd-Test-lead-series-2-0http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?281002-New-Zealand-93-2-defeat-India-92-by-8-wickets-to-win-4th-ODI-India-lead-5-match-series-3-1&goto=newpost
Wed, 30 Jan 2019 22:36:33 GMTWinning and losing in sport has a lot to do with confidence. But such is the unpredictable nature of sport that even one failure, on occasions, could beat the athlete down or sow seeds of self doubt. And self doubt leads to vulnerability. The New Zealand cricket team is paddling through such a...Winning and losing in sport has a lot to do with confidence. But such is the unpredictable nature of sport that even one failure, on occasions, could beat the athlete down or sow seeds of self doubt. And self doubt leads to vulnerability. The New Zealand cricket team is paddling through such a phase.

At home, New Zealand had lost just two ODI since losing to South Africa in 2014-15. However, just ahead of the World Cup in England this year, New Zealand received a severe jolt as they slid to losses in the first three games of the five-match ODI series against India.

The formidable Indian side has exposed quite a few weaknesses ahead of the mega event. The home side is losing too many wickets upfront, the batsmen have generally struggled to play the spin twins - Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. In the third ODI at Bay Oval, New Zealand lost their way after being in a relatively decent position at 178 for 3. And to make matters worse, barring Trent Boult, rest of the bowlers haven't offered much of penetration.

One of the few batsmen who showed the willingness to wade through the early phase and handle the spin duo with a degree of confidence was Ross Taylor in the third ODI. The mainstay of the line-up played with an open stance to cover for the over the wicket angle from Kuldeep and succeeded.

In an effort to put up an improved show in the dead-rubber in Hamilton, the hosts have rung in the changes. Todd Astle, the legspinning all-rounder, and Jimmy Neesham, the seam-bowling all-rounder, replaced the misfiring pair of Doug Bracewell and Ish Sodhi. Astle, who has picked up seven wickets in ODIs, has shown in the past that he can handle pressure situations well. The point can be capsulised by how the legspinner handled the challenge of bowling with a damp ball in a List A game for New Zealand A against India A to pick up four wickets in Visakhapatnam in 2017.

Meanwhile, India seem to have most of the bases covered. Even with Virat Kohli being rested for the final two games, the Asian nation would be confident of continuing their winning momentum under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. The impressive Shubman Gill, who averaged over 60 in List A games during the Indian domestic season in 2018-19, would look to showcase his skills.

The Indian camp would also be pleased with the all round show put up by Hardik Pandya on his return to the Indian side at Bay Oval. The fourth ODI also provides another chance for India's slightly vulnerable middle order batsmen to make an impact. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who has been in prime form in the series, would look for another fine show as he continues to press for a regular spot in the Indian side for the World Cup.

Gill is set to play with Kohli being rested for the last two matches, while MS Dhoni may return to the side after sitting out of the third ODI due to a sore hamstring. India also could be tempted to give Mohammed Siraj a chance in a dead-rubber contest.